Exceedingly interesting subject matter, but an exceedingly lacking presentation. I don't care for the oral history style in the first place, but the eExceedingly interesting subject matter, but an exceedingly lacking presentation. I don't care for the oral history style in the first place, but the execution here was particularly bad. The narrative suffered from a lack of context...there are dozens of obscure behind the scenes personalities (producers, executives, middle management types) and Miller / Shales identify the title of each just once and rarely re-set the table to help the reader keep the individuals straight. Additionally, there are controversies and scandals referred to without every giving the reader the origin. For example, Colin Cowherd had a lengthy explanation defending his comments on an NFL player that some viewed as racially-tinged. Yet, Miller/Shales never provide the actual language Cowherd used. And more than once, the same exact verbiage is used in different sections. You'll read a take from an ESPN exec, then re-read it word-for-word 100 pages later. The subject itself is fascinating so I enjoyed the book despite of its flaws, but it could have been a really phenomenal read in the hands of a Ken Auletta or a Bill Carter....more

I was glad I read The Corrections, but I am not sure I enjoyed it...which is probably why I put off Freedom for so long. But once I picked up Freedom,I was glad I read The Corrections, but I am not sure I enjoyed it...which is probably why I put off Freedom for so long. But once I picked up Freedom, I was in Franzen's world until I was able to finish it a couple of weeks later. Franzen really has a knack for how people think, and the hang-ups we all have. He's almost TOO good at that, and his novels end up almost cover-to-cover litanies of how we're all secretly (or not so secretly miserable). And I am not sure that lambasting American consumerism is really an insightful commentary anymore. But Franzen is good at it, so it's a pleasure to read. And I do feel like Freedom is a bit more optimistic than Corrections, as we can all hope we'll end up with someone who's misery and dysfunction is a match with our own....more

This was excellent. I'd read Plouffe's book which was good, but it felt like he intentionally (and understandably) left out some of the fun stuff. GamThis was excellent. I'd read Plouffe's book which was good, but it felt like he intentionally (and understandably) left out some of the fun stuff. Game Change is cover-to-cover fun stuff and had several details that I was not aware of and was very interested to learn.

Not a good fit for a policy wonky, but a great read for a junkie....more

I enjoyed this, but mostly for the perspective of what it's like to actually be a critic and the blow-by-blow recounts of some of her dining experiencI enjoyed this, but mostly for the perspective of what it's like to actually be a critic and the blow-by-blow recounts of some of her dining experiences.

I thought it dragged a bit in between reviews and couldn't get too into her perpetual hunt for the next persona. I couldn't really get into her personal/professional struggles or become too empathetic, as it seems she had a good gig and a good life. Some of the drama seemed a bit forced and maybe hyperbolic.